Question Number: 30735

Law 13 - Free Kicks 9/9/2016

RE: Rec Adult

Carlos Cardenas of Fort Lauderdale, FL USA asks...

Helo, my question is about an Indirect Free Kick inside the defending team's area. (It was warded because the goalie picked up the ball from a team mate throw in) The ball was located very close to the area limit.

Normally, a player gently touches the ball so the kicker can shoot to goal right? That makes the ball to be touched two times before it goes inside the goal.

Here is the question:
Instead of making a gently touch for the kicker, can I make a center pass to the center of the area so the kicker can then score? That would also make the ball to be touched two times before it goes inside the goal.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Carlos
The free kick is like any other free kick other than a goal cannot be scored directly from the kick. So the kick can be in any direction and with any strength. In fact the ball must be kicked and clearly moved rather than just a tap.

Answer provided by Referee Peter Grove

Although it is common for an indirect free kick in such a position to be given only the minimum touch required to comply with the law, this is not in the slightest bit mandatory, it is purely a choice for the team taking the free kick to make.

It reminds me a little of a situation regarding the changed kick-off law. Since virtually everyone now kicks the ball backwards, some players seem to think it might be mandatory and have even asked referees if it is still permitted to kick the ball forwards at kick-off (it is).